I do not really know. He said he had no time to explain. I think, Sleif has always been kind of naive. I think someone is playing him for a fool.
Kera was just as silent as she had been before. Listening to the Duchess and other go on about the Gnome and if/what his part in all this was. It seemed the poor little man was love sick, fawning over the Duchess. Could he have some part in the assassination? Was the Gnome so naive that he was now under the influence of some evil force? This was not the time to chew on such questions.
She wanted to get this done and get the party back together as a whole. There was great worry for the other group and what trouble they might get into. Though they had not been together long this rag tag group were all after the same goal. Where one was weak no doubt another would be strong. Splitting up had made Kera feel they might be doubling their efforts for not.
Looking over the symbols Kera knew not what they were but made a note of them. Any knowledge gleaned here may save lives in the future, at least that was how she looked at things. Keeping her sword at the ready she followed Miikae and her trusted Horse, Sands.
Knowledge Dungeoneering
Zadock keeps busy trying both to listen to the conversation and keep an eye on the surroundings at the same time...
Perception
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You all travel for another 15 minuits, being cautious yet aware of your surroundings . As you pass the sacred runes Gurney and Hana mutter short prayers to Torag from time to time.
Sands' Will Save
Sands(Miikae's Companion) stops in her tracks and takes a step back.
With the sudden cessation of Sands hoofbeats on the stone indicating her companion had stopped, followed by a quiet snort, Miikae stopped also. Holding up her shield to try and spread the light, she peered into the darkness... "What is it Sands? You smell something huh?" She steps back till she is besides Sands again. Turning to the Dutchess and the others, "There's something ahead. Sands can smell it. Where are your riflemen? Shouldn't they have detected this?" She turns back to Sands, watching him stare straight ahead. She wonders what to do next, cursing herself for not readying her druidic light magic. "Need more light... Any ideas?" If no one suggests anything, she props her sword under her arm, retrieves a couple of spare torches from one of the saddle bags and lights one from the lit one on her shield.
Zadock moves quickly to the front of the group and takes a knee and aims his musket at the darkness enveloping the front.
"Throw a torch in the front, hopefully whatever is skulking out there is friendly..."
Ready action to shoot if thrown torch reveal anything other than dwarf guardsmen.
With the improved light you see at the edge of your vision a rifleman lying flat on his back, there seems to be some rubble around him. Miikae takes a step forward and it hits her
As you increase the light and are looking around for what might be spooking Sands, and odd incoporeal dwarf approachs through the wall up ahead.
Gurney and Hana make a quick prayer to Torag, the apparition stops advancing for a moment and does the same prayer.
Sense Motive
"Not likely..." she replies to Zadok. She tosses the first torch roughly 30 feet ahead into the darkness. As it illuminates the rifleman, she steps forward surprised. "Duchess! One of your men!" She throws the second torch twice as far as the first, hopefully past the dwarf. She takes hold of her scimitar again and moves slowly forward. "Agh! No... There has been a storm here. Magical. It's completely void ahead... I can't tell if he's dead or..." as the dwarf appears she becomes silent. Sands stamps the ground, agitated and spooked. Though she can't understand it's words somehow she knows it isn't there to hurt them. "Don't shoot," she says to Zadok, using her sword to try and divert his aim. "It's not an enemy." She stays at the edge of the null zone for the moment. Turning to Sands she does her best to calm him down.
Sensing Miikae's energy is not fearful or aggressive Sands calms down.
The Ancient apparition hears Miikae's speach and seems able to adept Oh,yes that is right there is a unified language now.It must have been centuries since I have talked to a mortal. Are the sky citadels still missing? Has magic returned? It feels differant here than it was. I think I can feel it again, but fear not I will not for the sake of your horse it seems quite sensitive. The Ghost seems less confused now and is intently looking at everyone with a bit of wonder.
Yes, much has changed He mumbles again to himself.
Gurney and Hana seem to be awestruck.
Knowledge(religion)
Surprised that the ghost can understand her, her eyes widen. She wonders exactly how long he, it has been here. Feeling that the danger has passed for now she sheaths her scimitar. "I'm Miikae, who are you?" She isn't sure how it will react to questions but hopes for the best."How long have you been here?"
"Our friend there..." she points to the fallen dwarf, "will you let us retrieve him and see if he can be saved?"
Oh yes my dear. I had nothing to do with that. Do not fear though he still clings to life strongly, as do the the three others that were with him. Hmm, but they may sleep for sometimes they have been exposed to strong energy. I must go now. I will wonder for some time in this place I think, I have forgotten so much. Before I go I shall bless those that are pure of heart He says with an outstretched hand
Go now with the blessings of Torag. The strange apparition disapates into the wall.
Once Miikae had indicated that Sands was sensing something Kera had stopped. Entering a battle position she watched as the others threw the torch. She was ready for battle but it was quickly apparent there wasn’t to be one. When Miikae sheathed her weapon Kera followed suit.
As the entity spoke Kera listened. It seemed he had been awoken but was it by their presence or something else? She perked up when the entity spoke of not attacking the guards.
“If he didn’t attack the guards what did?”
Kera asked after the entity had blessed them, for which she had bowed her head. Any blessing was a good thing in her mind and respect should be paid to the person casting the blessing.
“Let me through…”
She said trying to rush to the head of the party to check on the guard but also try and spot what had done this, or the other three.
Zadock starts cursing under his breath but thinking better of it he lowers his rifle and starts a sweep of the area to as his companions check on the guards...
Knowledge (Religion) Max 10
Perception
Knowledge History/Engineering (They are both the same and this roll is for whatever is appropriate)
Forever the arcane student, during the examination he also tries to look for any magical symbols that would bind a spirit to this place or would allow it to exist here despite the Spellscar
Spellcraft
or
Knowledge(Arcana)
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Kera turned around when she noticed the absence of sound. So that’s how it was done. She had been dumbfounded at first, as to how there was an explosion with no sound but it seemed there was something going on here what she had no clue.
Bending down she started to patch the fellow up as best she could.
Heal Check
After that was done, for better or worse, she looked around for the other three guards.
Perception
Heal check
Heal check
Heal check
Heal check
"Thanks, I guess..."
When the ghost disappears she unstraps her wooden shield. She moves into the void with Sands to help check the guards. (Heal checks)
Once she is sure they will live she tries to motion to Kera to help her move them forwardand out of the void. Carrying them one at a time.
Do you think that will happen again Mistress Miikae or Master Zadok? Gurney asks clearly distraught over the event.
Kera did not like this one bit. Her eyes sweeping over the fallen guards quickly before surveying what was around her. Slowly she placed her hand on her Bastard Sword, then backed away from the wounded.
Once back to the group, if able, she would fully unsheathe her weapon. She didn’t trust this place now and everything was a suspected danger.
“Where the men have fallen there was an explosion and some sort of bearer of silence. When I moved over there I could no longer hear your conversation. The men are injured and need healing.”
It was the most Kera had said at one time. Her brow furrowed and she shook her head.
”We should have never split up.
Though the time for such thoughts was long over she felt the need to voice it one last time. She worried for the others. Kera hoped to see them on the other side. For good measure she sent a prayer up to Torag, or any god who would listen, to see them protected.
”We should push on Duchess, after the men are tended to.”
Seeing Miikae take to swift action did Kera mind some good. When motioned she put her weapon away yet again to help with the men.
After they have moved the last guardsman and all have passed the void she breathes a sigh of relief. It's easy to see she is no stranger to these phenomenon. "The storms that did this are unpredictable. The guardsmen are lucky to be alive, they can be quite violent, trust me. I've been through my share. Hopefully we will not have to deal with another." She looks at the sleeping guards, wondering what they will do now. "Duchess, what should we do? We can't leave them here." She looks further down their path into the darkness. "How much further is the exit?"
As if snapping out of a trance Hana answers Miikae Oh, yes of course onward. We have about 20 minuits to go. Due to the severity of the situation I am going to have to leave these men for now, but after we have dealt with Sleif we can return Hana says with a palpable sense of disappointment.
Gurney, in case I do not make it you know what to do. We have to declare the crisis and lock down Alkenstar.
You travel for 10 more min and you can see the door up ahead. It is a Large Iron Double Door. It has been barred from the inside with a large oak board. There she is, we've made it. I hope those lads below us are ok. Gurney says as he checks his weapons and adjusts his gear.
There is a good chance Sleif has convinced the Guards that Cpt Oliver and Karrick are in here holding the Duchess prisoner. It is known that Sleif had a crush on Hana, and they will not doubt him. Since I am the only one of Hana's Guards left I will go out first and try to diffuse the situation. Any objections? He asks sincerly after seeing this group in action.
Miikae does not object. She nods. "We will wait and be ready to back you up."
Turning to the Duchess she also pats Sands mane. "Sands is ready if we need to get you out of here fast, I can try to create a distraction." She waits to see what the rest of the party will say.
“Storms?”
Kera was curious as to what kind of storm Miikae was speaking of. Was there some kind of storm the mimic an explosion? She knew little of magic and supposed there very well could be such things.
She gave a solid nod when Miikae spoke of having been in such a storm and not wanting to deal with another.
“Wait a moment.”
Before leaving the men Kera left them her full waterskin and a sunrod. When they woke they would need water and a way to see where they were going. Once that was done they departed down the passage.
“Yes!”
She stated once they were at the door and Gurney spoke. Moving forward Kera looked the man in the eyes. Miikae seemed alright with letting the man go ahead but Kera was not.
“This door could be trapped and the Duchess needs you. You shouldn’t be the one to open it. Can anyone tell if the door is trapped?”
Kera had limited experience with traps but turned to gaze to the door looking for anything odd.
Perception
Turning back to look at Miikae she thought for a moment.
"Would it not be faster for you to take the Duchess on Sands to out final destination? I am loathed to split the party further but this is a time sensitive matter."
"Yes. Magical storms. They strike without warning as even the skilled guardsmen couldn't avoid it. And they leave just as suddenly. Often leaving a void, empty of magic. Silent." she says matter of factly.
At the door she also checked for traps.
Perception
"I don't know much about mechanical traps im afraid." She steps back from the door.
At Kera's suggestion she nods in agreement. "That's exactly what I was proposing before. Not that it will look very good for us, but once the Duchess is safe she can sort things out if we are arrested. I dont want to fight the other guards, just create enough of a distraction if necessary."
Zadock is lost in thought as he wanders through the ruins making notes in his journal of the runes carved into the walls. He seems completely oblivious to his compatriots until they hit the door.
Zadock will attempt to record everything he can about the ruins, from the type of stone to the runes. I'm not to sure what kind of roll you would want me to make for how complete his notes are.
Startled a bit at the abrupt end of the path, he sheepishly puts away his journal and quickly catches himself up on the conversation.
Unfortunately I failed to grab any alchemical concoctions before we left... what do we have to work with? Maybe I can jury-rig something big and flashy that won't kill everyone.
I guess I can have a look, but I doubt it is traped, at least from inside. Gurney says as he examines the door.
I think its as safe as its going to be. So whats the plan then? I go outside and one of you is behind me in the doorway with some sort of bomb or something, while the Duchess rides away quickly on Sands if things go bad or if there are other guards that have turned?
"Ready when you are, I'll be right behind you."
She walks over to Sands, she speaks quietly to him, "I need you to take the Duchess to safety. Let her show you the way." She helps the Duchess up when she is ready.
Back over near Gurney she has her shield in her hands looking at it thoughtfully, as if an idea came to her, but she shakes her head. She looks at Zadok, wondering what he has been able to come up with.
Kera listened intently to Miikae and her description of the storms. In younger years she remembered grown ups speaking of such storms but she thought them myth. Something to scare children into behaving. It seems that was not the case.
”We should be careful then.”
Not that they could do much since these storms struck without warning. Still it could not hurt to be vigilant
”It seems we are of the same mind then. Good. Yes, any trouble will be sorted after things are settled with the Duchess.”
Kera liked Miikae the more she got to know her. They were like minded which made Kera less apprehensive about the whole situation.
”I have a flint and steel.”
She offered Zadok when he spoke of rigging up something to create a flash/bang to aid in their mission. Turning to Gurney she nodded it was better to be safe then sorry when it came to the door.
”I will stand with you at the door. If Zadock can show me how to work whatever he is about to rig up.”
Kera was more then happy to “take one for the team” so to speak. She listened to Miikae give Sands instructions and smiled. Maybe this would all work out? So far so good, though she would feel better when all this was done and everyone was accounted for.
Zadock will attempt to quickly create a small makeshift firework out of some of the gun powder in his powder horn, a couple pages from his journal, and a wick made of a quick snip of horse hair.
He will also attempt to make this firework the least deadly as possible in order to not maim anybody too badly...
Craft(alchemy)
Gurney opens the Door, lifting the large board that is keeping the Iron Double Doors of these ruins sealed. As the Door opens you hear
You see an entire troop of riflemen outside the door. Sleif is not among them.
Where is he, where is that double crossing no good son of a goblin @#ore!? Gurney says angrily scowling at the troop commander who seems to recoil in fear.
Miikae waits half a metre behind Gurney as he opens the door, her shield at the ready. She nods at Kera and Zadok to say she is ready.
As the door opens, she takes a moment to adjust her eyes. Seeing the amount of riflemen waiting surprises her but she steadies herself. She lets Gurney do the talking as planned and looks over the riflemen but cannot see the gnome.
She studies them, trying to judge their intentions. Her skills with people rather undeveloped...
Seeing that Gurney has a handle on the situation, Zadock will opt not to use the firework just yet but keep it in hand.
"And by son of a goblin whore he means Sleif, the gnome who sent you right?"
Sense motive to judge reactions to that comment
Kera stood close to Gurney when he opened the door. The sudden light made her squint her eyes. Everything happen fast then. Yelling in Dwarven and men with guns. At least the situation seemed to be defused quickly.
"We can worry about him later. Now we need to get the Duchess to Martel."
They could hunt down the love sick misguided gnome later.
Sense motive
The Duchess exits the building. I am here and fine. Thank you good men for worrying for my safty, but Sleif has tricked you. I order you men to escourt me to Martel immediatly!
Hana looks to Kera,Miikae and Zadok. Thank you for your assistance. Please seek out the others, hopefully they arrive here soon.
Hana, Gurney and the Troops leave. You all decide to go look for the others. You only make it a few blocks when you find them engaged in combat with a woman in Red Hair, wearing a Mask of a Mantis, and wielding a wicked looking Sawtooth Sabre.
Seeing the situation end peacefully Miikae puts her shield back over her shoulder, standing off to the side of Sands. She helps the Duchess off Sands again and asks which way the others will be. "Of course Duchess, we shall find them and return here." She turns to the others. "Save that for an enemy, Zadok," she jokes.
She asks Sands if he can smell any sewer entrance somewhere near.
Everything did seem to end nicely. Kera was glad for that, for the Duchess sake. Walking with Miikae and Zadock nodding when Miikae spoke to the Duchess. Her mind would be at ease once everyone was safe and together.
They had walked only a short while when they found the others…in combat. Pulling out her sword and shield Kera entered battle.
Initiative
"But...fine... as Zadock reluctantly puts his firework away as they walk the short distance before seeing their comrades being assaulted.
Initiative
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The hour is still late in Alkentstar, as it was when you first came to meet the Duchess. You can hear the Marshalls in the distance gearing up to declare martial law in the city. Before you stands a red haired woman with lethal intent in her eyes.
Since we had some time to approach this situation, Karrick is going to be approaching stealthily if at all possible. Whether that's from the rooftops or some other means of obfuscation.
The red haired woman spits on her blades and Leaps in the air The Red Woman strikes at the strange mutant from the sewer.
Seeing the women armed with the same jagged swords that he pocketed, Muziel does not hesitate.
"Die, assassin!"
Muziel charges to within 20 feet (if possible) and hurls a flask at the masked woman.
***Edit***
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On stepping into the alley, Karrick's broad-shoulered silhouette comes into the assassin's view. Goggles up and covering his eyes, his stare offers backa muted reflection of the alley and the glow of blooming flame from Muziel's exploded bomb. Tiltins his head to the side with a pop of his neck, Karrick grips both of his kerambit tightly, waiting for an opening.
As he sees Muziel step ever so slightly to the side after throwing his bomb, Karrick bursts into movement. Faster than his usual slinking pace that those int he sewers saw, Karrick sprints like a great cat down the alley. After a few feet he hops up, bounding over a stack of crates, then leaps off, coming down at the assassin through the air with one of his wickedly curved blades.
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Walking with Kera and Zadok, she heard noise coming from an alley. When Miikae enters the alley and sees the others alive and momentarily smiles. It disappears however when she sees the red woman and her threatening weapons.
Whispering to Kera and Zadok, "Another storm coming, count to 20 and get away from the middle of the alley."
23-Muziel -Throws bomb
19+ Synthia Attacked and missed Venrich Ref
19-Miikae
18-Zadock
18-Cpt Oliver
15-Karrick Attacks and misses the Assassin
12-Pervince
13-Sands
10 Venrich
7-Kera
Venrich 5' steps to be in a flanking position with Karrick. The appendage on his back grows in size and attempts to bit at the Red Haired Assassin with his eyelid of teeth.
It misses and hisses as acidic saliva drips from its eye.
YES YOU CAN EAT THIS ONE I TOLD YOU ALREADY The deranged man continues to converse with his mutated limb.
Miikae runs towards the red woman, equipping her shield on the way. "Surround her! she shouts. Running the rest of the way she draws her scimitar aswell.
"Turn and face me assassin!"
Directing Sands to attack aswell.
Sands silently Charges the assassin and attempts to bite her.
He neighs furiously at her.